5 things to know: Week 5 in college football

If you decided to skip college football last weekend, almost everything is right where you left it.

The rankings hardly changed at all. Texas and Southern California fans are still disgruntled with their coaches, even after victories. Johnny Manziel is still the Heisman front-runner.

A lot can change this week, with plenty of high-profile matchups and possibilities for upsets.

Five things to know about Week 5 of the college football season, which has potential to be the best week yet.

ALABAMA HAS SOMETHING TO PROVE. The No. 1 team in the country has shown just enough vulnerability (pass defense, running game) to have some Crimson Tide fans troubled. The two-time defending champions can put much of that to rest with a good effort against No. 21 Mississippi, a team with enough talent at receiver and along the defensive front to pick at the Tide's perceived weaknesses.

OHIO STATE QB. Braxton Miller was the Big Ten offensive player of the year last season. Two games on the sideline with a knee injury gave backup Kenny Guiton a chance to play and now he has 13 touchdown passes, though almost half came against Florida A&M. Coach Urban Meyer says Miller should be ready to go when No. 4 Ohio State plays at home against No. 23 Wisconsin. There's been plenty of discussion in Columbus about which quarterback should play. And if the Badgers upset the Buckeyes, Meyer will be second-guessed no matter who plays.

FAST FOOTBALL. If you like your football fast-paced, No.

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2 Oregon is always the team for you. But this Saturday's game with California could be especially fun. According to research done by SB Nation's Football Study Hall, Oregon is running a play every 18.6 seconds, third fastest in the nation. California, with new coach Sonny Dykes, is next at a play every 18.8 seconds. Plan your bathroom breaks accordingly.

FLORIDA OWNS KENTUCKY. The Gators take a 26-game series winning streak into their latest matchup with the Wildcats. It's the longest current winning streak in a series that's played every season. Penn State has beaten Temple 30 straight, but over a span of 61 years. Two Florida injuries give Kentucky reason for hope at home. Quarterback Jeff Driskel went down with a broken leg last week against Tennessee. Tyler Murphy relieved and played well for No. 20 Florida. He gets his first start Saturday. The Gators also lost dominant defensive tackle Dominique Easley to a knee injury in practice this week.

SOMEONE'S GOT TO WIN. Two FBS games will match winless teams. Temple (0-3) is at Idaho (0-4). The Owls, last seen losing to Fordham, are 8 1/2-point favorites. San Diego State (0-3) is at New Mexico State (0-4). The Aztecs are 17 1/2-point favorites. Idaho and New Mexico State are playing as independents this season before joining the Sun Belt Conference next year. They finish this season playing each other.

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